Table Of Content
Lights, Camera, Action: Explore the Blockbusters Filmed in Branson, Missouri!
You know that feeling when you’re just itching for a change of scenery, a little adventure, or maybe you’re tired of staring at that same old wall while binging your favorite movies?
Well, my friend, have I got the perfect solution for you! How about immersing yourself in the real-life settings of some of your all-time favorite movies? And where better to start than the picturesque city of Branson, Missouri?
Now, I’m not just talking about any movies here. We’re talking about the blockbusters, the fan favorites, the movies that have captivated audiences all over the world.
Picture this: strolling through the very streets where iconic movie scenes were filmed, pretending to be the star of your own Hollywood production. Trust me, it’s an experience like no other!
So, you’re probably wondering, “Why should I visit movie filming locations?” Well, my eager traveler, let me break it down for you with these key takeaways:
- Immerse Yourself in Movie Magic: Visiting filming locations allows you to step into the shoes of your favorite characters and see these enchanting places come to life. Imagine reenacting a thrilling car chase or a heartwarming romantic moment right where it all happened. The magic of the movies becomes real, and you become a part of it!
- Discover Hidden Gems: Movie filming locations often showcase stunning landscapes, unique landmarks, and hidden gems that you might not have stumbled upon otherwise. Branson, Missouri, with its charming lakes, lush hills, and vibrant cityscape, has served as the backdrop for countless movies. By venturing to these locations, you’ll not only satisfy your inner film buff but also uncover some truly breathtaking spots.
- Add a Dash of Adventure: Exploring movie filming locations is like going on a treasure hunt where the treasure is all the untold stories and behind-the-scenes secrets. You’ll feel like a detective, uncovering tidbits about your favorite films and getting a glimpse into the world of filmmaking. It’s an adventure that’ll leave you feeling exhilarated and with stories to tell for years to come.
Now that we’ve whet your appetite for adventure, it’s time to put on your explorer’s hat and delve into the mesmerizing world of movie filming locations in Branson, Missouri. Don’t just take my word for it – come along and create your own movie-inspired memories.
Lights! Camera! Action! Explore the movies filmed in Branson, Missouri, and let the magic unfold before your eyes!
Winter’s Bone – US Box Office: USD$6,531,503
Director: Debra Granik
Main Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Garret Dillahunt, Isaiah Stone, Ashlee Thompson, Valerie Richards, and Shelley Waggener
Release Date: July 16, 2010
Filming Locations: Forsyth, Missouri, USA; Christian County, Missouri, USA; Branson, Missouri, USA
Main Plot: Ree Dolly, age 17, cares for her mentally ill mother and her two younger siblings, Sonny, 12, and Ashlee, 6, while she lives in the wilderness of the Ozarks. Jessup Dolly, her father, rarely appears in their life because he makes most of his money by operating a methamphetamine factory. Ree relies on the generosity of their neighbor, Sonya, to make ends meet because she is unable to do so without Jessup’s financial support. Ree finds out that her father has jumped bail and used their home and possessions as a surety for his upcoming court appearance for his criminal activities. Nobody seems to be aware of Jessup’s location. To prevent them from losing their home, Ree needs to find Jessup and make sure he appears in court.
Famous quotes:
Satterfield: “Look, I don’t want to kick your dad’s ass, all right? I just want to keep the judge off mine.”
Ree: “Dad’s dead. He didn’t show up for court ’cause he’s lying dead somewhere.”
Satterfield: “When was the last time you saw him?”
Ree: “A couple weeks.”
Satterfield: “Who’s he running around with? Where are they all hanging out?”
Fun Facts about Winter’s Bone:
- The actor who played the Army recruiter, Sergeant Russell Schalk, is a real-life recruiter and a 1st Cavalry Division combat veteran.
- Most of the extras and several stars (such as Isaiah Stone, Ashlee Thompson, and William White) are locals of Forsyth, Missouri. And none of them had ever performed on stage.
- Since The Dresser, this movie had the lowest box office receipts among those up for Best Picture (1983).
- Most of the supporting cast was made up of locals, for authenticity’s sake. Since Ree’s sister was a local, the exterior of her open house can be seen in the movie.
- To play Ree Dolly, Jennifer Lawrence learned how to fight, skin squirrels, and chop wood.
The Eyes of Tammy Faye – US Box Office: USD$1,029,591
Director: Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato
Main Cast: RuPaul, Tammy Faye Bakker, Virginia Fairchild, Oral Roberts, Johnny Grover, Jim Bakker, and Lori Bakker
Release Date: October 1, 2000
Filming Locations: International Falls, Minnesota, USA; Branson, Missouri, USA; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Palm Desert, California, USA
Main Plot: This documentary tells, for the first time, what happened twelve years after the dramatic collapse of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker’s Christian empire. Tammy Faye Bakker explains what happened to her and her husband when they lost control of the world’s first and most successful television ministry. PTL was the initial network to introduce its own satellite, “broadcasting 24 hours a day until the Second Coming,” and the first – and only – to construct a theme park. A massive Disney-style Christian retreat built by Jim with donations from his devoted viewers. Their fall, however, was as spectacular as their rise. It was the biggest scandal and one of the late 1980s’ biggest crashes. The Bakkers were crucified in the court of public opinion for their alleged greed and corruption. Jim was imprisoned, while Tammy Faye ended up at the Betty Ford Clinic.
Famous quotes:
Tammy Faye Bakker: “How sad that we as Christians, who are to be the salt of the earth”
Tammy Faye Bakker: “Who are supposed to be able to love everyone, are afraid so badly of an AIDS patient”
Tammy Faye Bakker: “That we will not go up and put our arm around them and tell them that we care.”
Jim Bakker: “I wanna send you this beautiful rice patty baby!”
Jim Bakker: “With your donation of $500, I will send you this beautiful rice patty baby!”
Sequel: Tammy Faye: Death Defying
Fun Facts about The Eyes of Tammy Faye:
- According to RuPaul Charles, Tammy Faye changed his life by teaching him the importance of focusing on the good in people.
- Tammy Faye would be an inspiration and influence on RuPaul’s hit show RuPaul’s Drag Race. She influenced challenge themes as a figure in gay culture and is referenced throughout the show, including impersonations.
The Angry Nerd
Director: Eric Arnold and David Gattis
Main Cast: David Gattis, Eric Arnold, Nathaniel Eddings, James Robison, Jason Moore, Brendan Turbin, and Logan Wiggington
Release Date: 2017
Filming Locations: Harrison, Arkansas, USA; Los Angeles, California, USA; Branson, Missouri, USA
Main Plot: An atomic, foul-mouthed nerd finally confronts a bully. As soon as Erwin Gutierrez believes he has finally defeated his antagonist. Hollywood learns about Erwin’s intriguing uprising and produces a very obscene and profane comedic anti-bullying film.
Famous quotes:
Erwin Gutierrez: “So what did you guys do this weekend?”
Bruce Pitts: “I went Vegas and shit know what I mean? I fucked a few bitches you know whatever and then when I got home, my girlfriend was fucking a donkey!”
Erwin Gutierrez: “So, what did you do, Victor?”
Erwin Gutierrez: “Yeah I don’t give a fucking shit!”
Victor Pike: “Wow thanks a lot, asshole!”
Fun Facts about The Angry Nerd:
- Initially intended to be rated NC-17. Infuriated, David Gattis canceled the film’s production, tried again, and re-applied for an R rating.
- Erwin’s given name was originally Lispy Larry.
- This will be the first David Gattis film to last more than an hour and fifteen minutes.
- Brendan Turbin makes his acting debut in this film.
- To finance the film, writers/directors David Gattis and Eric Arnold worked a summer job.
The Beverly Hillbillies
Director: Paul Henning
Main Cast: Buddy Ebsen, Donna Douglas, Irene Ryan, Max Baer Jr., Raymond Bailey, Nancy Kulp, and Harriet E. MacGibbon
Release Date: September 26, 1962
Filming Locations: Branson, Missouri, USA; 750 Bel Air Road, Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA; 5055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles, California, USA; General Service Studios – 1040 N. Las Palmas, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA
Main Plot: The first television series to feature the genre of “fish out of water.” Meet the Clampetts – There’s Jed, the kind and intelligent patriarch (despite his lack of formal education) who became an overnight millionaire by chance. While he appears to be retired, he is constantly kept busy by trying to keep his family out of trouble and making peace with his neighbors. Then there’s Granny, the clan’s matriarch is mature, opinionated, and suspicious of new-fangled ways and things. She considers herself highly educated (a self-proclaimed Doctor of Hillbilly Medicine). She is perplexed as to why anyone would question her knowledge. Then there’s Elly May, who is lovely but awkwardly naive.
Famous quotes:
Jed Clampett: “Not for long. Pears to me they ain’t nothin’ a man can get his fill of, faster, than scrappin’ with a bull.”
Granny: “Ain’tcha afraid he’ll get hurt?”
Jed Clampett: “Nahh. A good stout bull can take care of himself.”
Granny: “Well, if there’s one thing Jethro’s like better than fighting’ it, it’d be eating’ it!”
Jed Clampett: “This way, he can do both!”
Sequel: The Beverly Hillbillies 1993
Fun Facts about The Beverly Hillbillies:
- Within three weeks of its debut, the series rose to #1 in the ratings, an unprecedented feat in television history. It remained at the top for two years.
- Because CBS bought the rights to the series shortly after it was canceled, they did not renew their copyrights. All 36 episodes of the first and the first 19 episodes of the second season are in the public domain.
- Many low-budget labels have released these episodes on home video and DVD. Due to copyright, the original theme music has been replaced by generic music in many public-domain episode video releases.
- Going to follow the premiere of the first season.” Donna Douglas had accomplished more for buying blue jeans in one year than cowboys had done in a hundred.” Levi Strauss executive said.
- According to the website Zap2it.com, the series has 13 episodes that were ranked among the Top 100 Nielsen Rated Shows of All Time.
The Shepherd of the Hills
Director: Henry Hathaway
Main Cast: John Wayne, Betty Field, Harry Carey, Beulah Bondi, James Barton, Samuel S. Hinds, and Marjorie Main
Release Date: July 18, 1941
Filming Locations: Branson, Missouri, USA; Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA; Cedar Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA; Moon Ridge, San Bernardino Mountains, California, USA; Barlett’s Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA
Main Plot: A mysterious but pleasant stranger befriends a young backwoods girl in the Missouri hills. This irritates her moonshiner fiancé, who has vowed to track down and murder his own father. Matt Masters, a young Ozark Mountains moonshiner, despises his father. Whom he has never met and who appears to have abandoned Matt’s mother and left her to die. His obsession adds to the hatred that exists in the mountains. The arrival of a stranger, Daniel Howitt, begins to positively impact the mountain people, who learn to let go of their hatred under his gentle influence. Still, Matt is skeptical of Howitt.
Famous quotes:
Young Matt: “No stranger is gonna trample on her grave.”
Aunt Mollie Matthews: “Ya can’t rest easy by killing’ strangers! Kill him and put the idjit curse on my son! Him, what killed her, not the one who’s gonna give ya the money to do it!”
Old Matt Matthews: “Prison talk…”
Old Matt Matthews: “You witch woman, you. You… with your sermon o’hare! Casting the spell onto all of us! A’drivin’ Young Matt to murder!”
Aunt Mollie Matthews: “You fool! You blind, drunk fool!”
Sequel: The Shepherd of the Hills 1964
Fun Facts about The Shepherd of the Hills:
- One over 700 Paramount Productions shot in 1929 and 1949 were sold to MCA/Universal for television distribution in 1958 and have been owned and controlled by Universal ever since.
- Throughout the film, Betty Field wears no shoes. She was barefoot in all of her scenes.
- The scene in which Sammy removes her shirt and shows her bare back to the camera shocked and appalled the Hayes Office. Director Henry Hathaway assured the Office that it was a man standing in for Betty Field at the time.
